Window Panels: Zinc Or Lead For The Edges?

@jamesandpatricia3103181120 Since you would prefer not to use rebar we would recommend 3 separate panels.

Making 11" x 69" stained glass on top of existing transom. will divide into 3 pieces because of length. would it be better to use one long piece of u zinc came on top & bottom & just put 2 ea.11" pieces vertically soldered in to separate for strength or should I just make 3 separate panels? I don't like the reinforcing bars or rods for my design. Or, would reinforcing steel strips be better. Concerned about buckling & installation. thanks

@I have repaired broken glass on several old (60-80 year old) panels that were made of zinc. So framing your lead panel in zinc shouldn't be a problem. If panels are to be outside I always recommend waxing (finishing compound) Spring, Summer and in November.

The short answer is yes you can use zinc. However, over time, the moisture will break down the metal. This most likely will not happen right away. Zinc over time exposed to moisture will often turn white and oxidize. Lead actually would handle that much better.

@ The Canfield Diamond Lead Free Came you reference we only offer in an H channel, which is ideal for using between glass pieces to assemble a project. This came has a unique working temperature range, and can only be used with the matching solder from Canfield as shown together at https://www.delphiglass.com/lead-came-supplies/lead-free-came/Alternatively, we do offer zinc came which can be used with any lead-free solder, and it is available in both H channel to assemble glass pieces and U channel to apply a border. Zinc came unfortunately is a rigid metal, which can make it more challenging to use in designs that have curves.

@Catherine E. we recommend framing your piece in zinc - 3/8" - 1/2" will work best for maximum support. Wood stop can be used to cover the zinc around the panel and secure the window.

@toryhillglass assuming you've already framed your piece with rigid came, our oak framing stock is a great choice for adding strength and decorative framing.

I am working on a leaded panel that is approximately 3' x 3'. It has two support pieces, but I am looking for something about 1" that I can frame the panel in. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!

I have only framed panels in zinc came for hanging but now I need to know about trimming a panel for installation. I need to trim a copper foil panel (8" wide by 18" tall) that will be installed on the interior of a double paned glass window in a wooden door. I am using a Delphi catalogue to look at came. To trim should I use lead came, 1/8" Flat U? Thanks for your expert advice.

This is a great article. I haven't had any issues with the zinc and rebar but I have also never heard of putting a dowel into the bottom channel of the came that is awesome. Would that same principle work by filling the bottom of the channel with caulk or the like possibly giving the window space to spread in the seasons (I am in Chicago and the weather is so varied that a door which closes nicely in the winter has to be given a shoulder and body weight to close in the summer because the wood swells so badly. I see more actual outward bowing than downward slumping in panels here.